Summer Olympics 2012

Canada is such a great country and Canadians should stand proud for what this country has accomplished in both the recent winter Olympics as this summer Olympics. It took some fight but finally on day 3, Canada received its first medal given in synchronized driving. The continuation of these games have been very emotional to say the least, but have also been exciting to watch our Canadian athletes perform at what they do best. There were known athletes that came into these Olympics without hope in receiving a medal; some surprised the world winning at least bronze medals.

My favourite events to watch at the summer Olympics are the artistic gymnastics and the soccer games predominantly because these are two sports I have played competitively throughout the years. There are others which I have enjoyed watching such as the swimming events, track races, and the beach volleyball games. Since the soccer games began even before the Opening Ceremonies were televised, I would say soccer is what i watched the most these past two weeks. 

As even the most prestigious event which is the Olympics tried to have a smooth outcome, history has proven even these games cannot be perfect. Although, Canada is very proud of our lone gold medal won by trampoline artist Rosie MacLennan, the games would not go on without some disappointments. There was heartbreak, emotional tears, clocks which did not stop on time, disqualifications... history continues to demonstrate. 

There was a lot of controversy regarding officiating, graded scores, and execution levels as we saw these past two weeks; some athletes were granted their immediate appeals, other not so much. Unfortunately for the Canadian soccer women's team, the semi-final game will forever be in Canadian hearts as one of the most controversial game played at the Olympics. The game is over now and although the Americans cannot take back the words said against the Canadian team members or their attitudes leading up to their gold-medal game, articles such as this one will always be a reminder.

I wish not to dwell on what could have been especially since our women's soccer team made it to the podium with a bronze medal! I hope this will begin a soccer franzie in our country as soccer is becoming a national celebrated sport. Looking forward to the Woman World Cup in 2015 which gladly, Canada is hosting and I expect to see you there! 

Watching now the closing ceremonies, reminds me of what the Olympics should be about. Unity within the nations without any public differentiations. As the athletes entered the stadium wearing their respective country's attire, I am glad the Olympic committee has kept the newly respective tradition to allow them to enter the closing ceremonies as one herd - one union - one global nation proud of what they have accomplished at these games. This statement outweighs anything that has happened these past two weeks and will bring nations closer to one another, hopefully.

Christine Sinclair: I am most proud to call you fellow Canadian especially seeing you hold our national flag with such pride and huge smile written across your face. Until Brazil 2016: GO CANADA GO!

With much Canadian pride, Jessica xo